Marine Systems Mechanical Technician

Overview
Please submit an application in the Online Applicant Portal under the previous occupation; Marine Technician, if you are interested in this occupation.

Marine Systems Mechanical Technicians (MSMTs) are members of a ship’s engineering department, responsible for the operation and maintenance of mechanical and structural systems onboard His Majesty's Canadian (HMC) Ships and Submarines.
They maintain, operate, and monitor equipment associated with the ship’s propulsion, ancillary, and auxiliary engineering systems. Additional duties include maintaining the ship’s structure, stability, damage control systems, and firefighting equipment. They also can be employed at shore repair and naval technical training facilities to support fleet activities.

MSMTs monitor, operate and maintain the mechanical machinery for the following:

Propulsion Systems

Monitoring engine performance parameters (temperatures, pressures, vibrations, fuel consumption)
Conducting routine and corrective maintenance (filters, injectors, turbochargers, compressors)
Managing start‑up, shutdown, and changeover procedures
Fault diagnosis and emergency response
Coordinating overhauls and condition‑based maintenance
Ensuring compliance with safety, emissions, and operational limits
Power Generation and Distribution Systems

Operating generator sets under varying loads
Synchronizing generators and managing load sharing
Monitoring fuel, cooling, and lubrication systems
Maintenance of alternators, excitation systems, and governors
Fault response to overloads, blackouts, or frequency instability
Ancillary systems

Operation of fuel transfer pumps and valves
Management of day tanks, service tanks, and storage tanks
Fuel quality monitoring and contamination prevention
Changeover between fuel types where applicable
Operation of freshwater and seawater cooling circuits
Heat exchanger cleaning and inspection
Monitoring flow rates, temperatures, and pressure drops
Leak detection and corrective maintenance
Spill prevention and response readiness
Oil sampling and condition monitoring
Operation of lube oil pumps, coolers, and filters
Managing oil replenishment and purification
Preventing cross‑contamination and oil degradation
Maintenance of hydraulic power units and accumulators
Operation and inspection of compressed air systems
Air receiver testing and draining
Ensuring reliable engine start capability under all conditions
Auxiliary systems

Managing potable and technical freshwater systems
Pump operation and tank level control
Water quality monitoring
Leak detection and system flushing
Operation of compressors and air dryers
Maintenance of HP and LP air receivers
Support for starting systems, control air, and ship services
Monitoring pressure, moisture, and oil carryover
Operation of chilled water and refrigeration plants
Temperature control for stores, accommodation, and equipment
Refrigerant handling and leak detection
Compressor, condenser, and evaporator maintenance
Maintenance of HVAC systems
Temperature and humidity control
Air filtration and fan maintenance
Supporting habitability and equipment cooling requirements
Operation of Reverse Osmosis plants to produce freshwater
Membrane cleaning and replacement
Monitoring pressures, salinity, and production rates
Managing pre‑treatment and post‑treatment systems
Operation of centrifuges and separators
Sludge management and disposal
Monitoring separation efficiency
Supporting engine reliability and longevity
Operation of oily water separators
Management of bilge and sludge systems
Monitoring discharge criteria and alarms
Compliance with environmental regulations and shipboard procedures
Maintenance of sewage treatment plants
Operation of vacuum or gravity drainage systems
Pump and macerator maintenance
Odour control and hygiene management
Damage Control Systems

Maintenance of fire pumps and main
Inspection of fixed firefighting systems (CO₂, water mist, foam)
Testing detectors, alarms, and remote closures
Supporting fire teams during incidents
Post‑fire recovery and system restoration
Operation of bilge and ballast systems
Monitoring watertight integrity
Use of portable and fixed dewatering pumps
Supporting damage control teams during flooding incidents
Maintaining valves, sensors, and remote controls
In addition, MSMTs will:

Read and interpret engineering sketches and drawings, including mechanical and hydraulic, pneumatic and fluid drawings
Calculate ship stability and identify potential problems
Fabricate, machine and weld parts and equipment
Work environment
MSMTs spend much of their career on board ships based in either Halifax, Nova Scotia, or Esquimalt, British Columbia. Their duties can include repairing or maintaining equipment and participating in ship‑wide evolutions such as fueling both at sea and alongside. While at sea, all members of the ship’s company stand watch in shifts. When the ship is alongside, MSMTs typically work a regular day‑shift schedule.

In addition to their primary duties, junior MSMTs may spend time working outside their occupation performing general duties such as cleaning, painting, working in the cafeteria or loading supplies.


Training Basic Military Qualification The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades in the CAF. One of the goals of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Forces physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding. Learn more about Basic Training here. Basic Occupational Qualification Training MSMTs attend Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia or Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Training takes 3 months and includes: Basic mechanical, electrical and hull systems theory Basic preventive and corrective maintenance for marine systems The conduct of propulsion and ancillary engineering rounds Equipment flash-up and shut-down procedures Basic emergency responses to equipment failures Repair of watertight and non-watertight closures Following this initial in class training, MSMTs will be posted to a ship to complete a hands-on training package and begin implementing the training they've received in real life scenarios. Available Specialty Training MSMTs may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and/or on-the-job training, including: Small boat mechanic and flight deck mechanic Technical support for marine helicopter operations Helicopter crash rescue firefighting Welding Fabrication / machining Diesel maintainer and inspector Gas turbine maintainer Refrigeration technician Available Advanced Training As they progress in their career, MSMTs who demonstrate the required ability and potential may be offered advanced training. Available courses include: Advanced mechanical preventive / corrective maintenance Plant operation and watch supervision Advanced firefighting / damage control Refit management Equipment lifecycle management Maintenance management Project management Specific Navy Training Naval recruits attend Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia or Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia for approximately five weeks. Training includes the following topics: Naval history and organization Shipboard firefighting and damage control Shipboard safety and ship’s security Watchkeeping duties Seamanship
Entry plans
Required Education
The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of provincial requirements for grade 10 or Secondary IV in Quebec, including:

Academic Math (Quebec Sec IV, Math 436); or

Applied Math (Quebec Sec Math 426)

A GED would only be acceptable if applicant also has grade 10 Academic Math or grade 12 Applied Math. It is an advantage to have completed a physics course at any level.


Part time options Serve with the Reserve Force This position is available for part-time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part time at a Naval Reserve Division (NRD) in their community and may serve while going to school or working at a civilian job. Naval Reservists are paid during their training. They are not posted or required to conduct military moves. However, they can voluntarily transfer from one NRD to another. They may also volunteer for deployment on military missions within or outside Canada. Part Time Employment MSMT – Reserve serve as members of the Royal Canadian Navy. Like their Regular Force counterparts, they are employed for the operation and maintenance of all mechanical and structural systems onboard RCN ships up to the rank of Sailor 1st Class. Reserves provide technical expertise in support of boatsheds, performing advanced preventive and corrective maintenance on small boats. In support of Annual Naval Summer Training Unit (ANSU) conduct setup, operation and maintenance of power generation, ventilation, and related systems for portable operation centers and camps. In support of operations, Reserves may progress to taking charge of the maintenance teams and the equipment under their responsibility. Part-time employment is normally in the MSMT’s NRD; some part-time training is conducted on weekends at naval schools or on ships afloat. Casual full-time employment on ships, ANSU exercises and operations, and at naval schools is commonly available in the summer months. Reserve Force Training Reserve Force members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts for work that is common to the two components. Reservists usually begin training in their Naval Reserve Division to prepare them for the Basic Military Naval Qualification course at Naval Fleet School Quebec. Following basic training and naval environmental training, MSMT - Reserve complete their occupation qualification at either Naval Fleet School Pacific in Esquimalt, British Columbia or Naval Fleet School Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia for approximately nine weeks. Reserve Working Environment Reserve Force members usually serve part-time with their home NRD for scheduled evenings and occasional weekends. They are paid 93% of Regular Force rates of pay, receive a reasonable benefits package including a pension plan, and may qualify for reimbursement of civilian education expenses.